NatureScot lodges objection to Scottish Sea Farms’ planned expansion at Fish Holm.
NatureScot has formally objected to Scottish Sea Farms’ (SSF) proposed salmon farm development at Fish Holm in Yell Sound, citing risks to protected seabird species and potential impacts on marine mammals, according to a report by Shetland News.
The nature agency said the proposed site lies within the East Mainland Coast, Shetland Special Protection Area (SPA), which is designated for red-throated divers, great northern divers, and Slavonian grebes. The eastern side of Fish Holm is considered an important foraging ground for red-throated divers, a species noted for its high sensitivity to disturbance.
Due to NatureScot’s objection, Shetland Islands Council must notify Scottish ministers if it wishes to approve the development contrary to the agency’s advice.
The project would consolidate two existing farms—Fish Holm (1,910 tonnes) and Collafirth 3 (1,200 tonnes)—into a single site with a proposed biomass of 6,000 tonnes, using up to 12 pens of 160 metres circumference.
NatureScot also raised concerns about potential effects on harbour seals and otters within the Yell Sound Coast Special Area of Conservation, as well as gannet populations in other SPAs. However, it concluded that proposed mitigation measures should prevent adverse impacts on those sites.
SSF declined to comment directly on the planning application, but said it “remains committed to working closely with all relevant statutory bodies throughout the planning process.”
The application has drawn both objections and support from stakeholders, including individual fishermen, fishing groups, animal welfare campaigners, and salmon industry partners. SSF has already reduced pen size in response to local concerns.
Planning officials have paused the determination process to allow further dialogue and data submissions.